Former Texas A&M football gunslinger and 2012 Heisman Trophy Award winner Johnny Manziel continues to make headlines this month for openly discussing his playing days. However, Manziel has found himself trending again on Saturday despite his polarizing interview with Shannon Sharpe well in the rearview mirror. The once Cleveland Browns quarterback took to Twitter (also known as X) to take a stance alongside former USC Trojans great Reggie Bush. Manziel did not mince words, saying he planned to remove himself from the Heisman Trophy Award ceremony until Bush, the 2005 winner, gets his trophy back.
Former Texas A&M Football Heisman Trophy Award Winner Johnny Manziel: ‘Doesn’t Sit Right With my Morals’
Manziel took to social media on Saturday morning, claiming his allegiance to fellow Heisman Trophy Award winner and USC great Reggie Bush. Manziel wrote, “After careful thought and consideration, I will be humbly removing myself from the Heisman Trophy ceremony until @ReggieBush gets his trophy back. Doesn’t sit right with my morals and values that he can’t be on that stage with us every year. Reggie IS the Heisman trophy. Do the RIGHT thing, @NCAA; the ball is in your court. Much love, JM2″
After careful thought and consideration I will be humbly removing myself from the Heisman trophy ceremony until @ReggieBush gets his trophy back. Doesn’t sit right with my morals and values that he can’t be on that stage with us every year. Reggie IS the Heisman trophy.
Do the…
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) March 2, 2024
Reggie Bush came under fire by the NCAA in 2006, a year removed from winning the Heisman, after reports surfaced of him and his family receiving improper benefits from USC. The NCAA hammered USC football with significant sanctions in 2010 after the governing body declared the star runner receiver gifts from sports agent Lloyd Lake, including a limo ride to the 2005 Heisman Trophy presentation. USC received four years of probation, had to vacate its last two wins of the ’04 season, and lost scholarships for the following three seasons. Bush and the school returned the Heisman Trophy, while the Heisman Trust has since left the spot for the 2005 winner vacant.
Manziel believes the NCAA should return Bush his Heisman Trophy Award with player compensation legal in college sports. As of 2021, players can now make money off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), well over the value Bush illegally received during his tenure with USC.
Reggie Bush and Johnny Manziel: Two of the More Electric Heisman Trophy Award Winners
Reggie Bush and Johnny Manziel remain two of the most polarizing players to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy Award. Despite their off-the-field questions, Manziel and Bush took the college football world by storm during their Heisman Trophy-winning seasons.
Bush, a two-time All-American, ran for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns during his final season with the USC Trojans. He also caught 37 passes for 478 yards and two scores while operating as a lethal return man. Meanwhile, Manziel became the first freshman to win the award, throwing for 3,706 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2012. The Texas native also ran for a ludicrous 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns, including a fantastic effort in a win over top-ranked Alabama.
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